The Young Spinner Earns Surprise Selection in England's Test Series Team
The English team has opted for a twelve-player squad just 48 hours before the first Ashes Test, with the 22-year-old spinner earning a unexpected spot.
Bashir's selection suggests that the tourists will delay until the morning of the initial match to decide whether Perth Stadium conditions suit a pace-heavy attack or the inclusion of a spinner.
Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are included in the selected squad, indicating there are no concerns about either fast bowler's condition.
Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse complete the bowling group, with the latter most likely to miss out if the spinner enters the starting XI.
Ground Conditions Favor Pace Bowlers
Brendon McCullum had been expected to opt for an all-seam attack on a venue that has staged several past matches.
In those matches, the majority of dismissals have fallen to seamers, with only 40 to spin.
Of those spin dismissals, the veteran spinner has claimed the bulk, while overseas slow bowlers together have only eight.
On a ground known for its speed and carry, and whose curator, the pitch preparer, pledged that these traits are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a side loaded with seamers is still the more likely choice.
Spin Options Weighed
Previously there was speculation that the all-rounder could be brought into the team to offer some slow bowling while additionally bolstering the batting lineup.
However the coach has opted to stick with the young spinner, having said previously that he would be his first-choice spinner for the Ashes.
In July, Lyon described Bashir as “OK,” adding that “from my perspective, Jack Leach is still England’s top slow bowler.”
“This is a huge responsibility, and it can be a significant test for bowlers who haven’t done it in the previous in Australian pitches,” Lyon remarked of spin bowling in matches Down Under.
“I won't reveal my strategies so opponents perform and perform well out here.”
England 12-man Squad for First Ashes Test
- Ben Stokes (c)
- The Pace Bowler
- The Seamer
- Shoaib Bashir
- The Batsman
- Brydon Carse
- The Opener
- Ben Duckett
- The Middle-Order
- The Veteran
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- The Speedster
